[avalon] IC Inbox

[emet_sulk]

I am currently not available at the moment.
If you were directed here by Hythlodaeus, kindly inform him that any messes he creates are his responsibility to clean up.

If this is Hythlodaeus: Please act like a bureau chief for once in your life and stop referring complaints to me.


(A place for private network messages or overflow threads from Isle of Avalon!)

Comments

action // late nov? // first デート

[weenwoon]

Unfortunately for Hades, he did promise Hythlodaeus that they would go out together, and thus it's at the ungodly hour of 8 AM that he's going to feel someone (wonder who) gently poking his cheek.

"Hades~"

The voice is familiarly smug, as well. If Hades refuses to stir, the poking turns into light pinching. The only bright side to the situation may be the faint aroma of coffee.

:3 let the cheesy fluff begin

[emet_sulk]

There is faint grumbling from the one getting his cheek poked. Hades initially burrows deeper into his pillow with a faint, 'Go away,' mumbled at Hythlodaeus. But the mild pain of a pinched cheek gets him to crack open an eye and register the pungent aroma of coffee.

Oh. That's right. He had agreed to this, hadn't he?

He grumbles a bit more (because he'd never live it down if he were caught acting even the slightest bit eager for this outing) before slowly sitting upright.

"...That is coffee I smell, isn't it?" he asks, covering a wide yawn.

[crystalsfused]

This particular gift is not delivered in person, but instead left at the door of Emet-Selch's inn room. A little basket with a festively coloured paper serviette, containing one sandwich, a handful of grapes, and a handwritten note.

Thank you once more for your most unexpected yet heartfelt gift. Happy Starlight.

G'raha Tia

Closer investigation will reveal the sandwich to consist only of plain bread and dry turkey, without even butter. The grapes are overripe and soft. Perhaps the one positive thing that can be said is that at least the bread is not stale. Enjoy.

sorry not sorry

[weenwoon]

Later that day, G'raha receives a message from one notarchitect.

Dear G'raha Tia,

My thanks for your gift as well! I must needs confess I realized a little too late that it was likely meant for Emet-Selch alone and not both of us. Nevertheless, I appreciate the gesture!
And if I may offer a suggestion, cranberry sauce is good to help bring out the flavour of the turkey. I have become acquainted with several cafe workers within the city, and they have some interesting insights into the local culinary arts! Should you wish to, I would be only too happy to introduce you. It would be wonderful to have someone to learn along with, as Emet-Selch holds little regard for such studies.

Happy Starlight!

Thanking you again,
Sincerely yours,
Hythlodaeus.

text to action who knows im here to shitpost

[weenwoon]

[Attached is a screenshot of this message.]

Would you say my love for you is sensible or nonsensical?

he's judging u silently Hyth

[emet_sulk]

[ Hythlodaeus he is RIGHT THERE... ]

What sort of question is that?

closed thread with Shiro

[emet_sulk]

( continued from here )

[ Sometime after noon, Emet-Selch waits at his second-favourite cafe for the other man to show. He has little idea who to expect, save that they know of his world and of Garleans and come from a place of advanced technology. The table he chooses is one that is outside, allowing him to quietly observe passers-by as he sips his coffee. ]

[vrepit_no]

[A few minutes before the chosen time, Shiro arrives at the cafe, tall and muscular, with a straight back and purposeful step. All in black with the occasional trim in grey, he's simply but neatly turned out.
Not a hair on all that black. It's not hard to spot the pinned up right sleeve of his turtleneck, or the golden lung dragon draped over Shiro's shoulders.]

[He approaches a waitress, politely waiting until she has a free moment to get her attention and speak softly to her with a smile. She gives him a smile in return and points out Emet-Selch's table.
He tanks her and winds his way through to stand near one of the chairs.]

Mr. Emet-Selch? I'm Shiro. We spoke on the network. [He offers his left hand - hyur - to clasp.
There's no overt hostility, anyway... ]

text | un: gaia

[penumbrals]

Emet-Selch.

If you have some time, I would like to meet with you.
We have much to discuss.

[emet_sulk]

Do we now? Consider my curiosity piqued.

I have nothing but time on my hands these days. Name a time and a place.

on the shop-opening day

[weenwoon]

Having nagged his friend into doing an open advertisement, Hythlodaeus of course spent the next few hours glued to the screen, going through the reactions gleefully. Unfortunately, one particular conversation did not go quite as planned...

He'd started giving Hades concerned glances even early on, but the argument did not seem to abate at all until that seething remark from Darin, leaving the two Ancients in bitter, stunned silence. To think that a mere hour ago there had been such sense of peace and comfort in their new home...

But it is once again the nature of their people to stand together. If Hades would break off the conversation, too pained to go on, Hythlodaeus is more than happy to pick it up - and perhaps even persuade Darin otherwise. But first things first.

"Hades."

He stands up, crossing the room to unabashedly wrap his arms around his friend, pulling him into a hug. He imagines Hades needs it right now; a reminder of gentleness.

[emet_sulk]

It all comes crashing back again: the reminder of how different the world is now compared to the world as it was then. He knows how hypocritical it is of him to argue against war when he had spent the better part of his life facilitating exactly that. But isn't it the case that those who fight such battles understand the cruelty, the heartbreak, the pain it can cause? Is he truly the only one who wants it all to stop?

He's close to breaking. Venting his frustration with Irhya had helped, but unless the root cause is excised, he'll simply be reminded time and again of how out of place he is.

Hythlodaeus stands, catching his attention. He stiffens briefly as his friend's arms wrap about his shoulders. But moments later tears well and a deluge of emotion rises, choking his words in his throat. He turns his face against their shoulder and cries.

Text, un: fashiondiva

[corpsewarblade]

[After everything she'd heard about how the trials had gone down, she couldn't help but be worried about how some of her friends were managing it- From the quests they'd been on together, she was pretty sure he'd be fine, but hopefully he wouldn't mind her pinging him a quick message.]

Hey Emet-Selch, this is Junko~

So, like, I hear the trials got pretty crazy after I skipped town, you holding up okay? I'll be heading back to town to catch the Traders before they head off, so lemme know if there's anything you need.

[emet_sulk]

[ It takes some time for a response to come. Perhaps he's been caught up in one of those very trials? Or maybe he's recovering. ]

I have felt worse, I suppose. You chose not to participate?

several days after the trials

[omnicrafter]

[Well, she'd expected to get in the water, hence the foresight to have a swimsuit on underneath. But the cleaning process being done with so many hands means they're done early, and now she isn't quite sure what to do with herself. The sun is almost too intense for a Keeper like her, so she retreats to the shade with the clothing she'd shed earlier.

Of course, she notices she isn't alone after a long moment, feeling eyes on her. So Irhya turns around to look, and... ah. Something cold wells up in her stomach.]

Hi...

[emet_sulk]

[ He had come by to watch the ship's refurbishment. As they wait for the results of the trials, he can do little but hope that Merlin's backup plan is successful. It seems to be going well - the ship has been cleaned up and it's floating so far. Hopefully the Elphame will accept it.

He notices someone coming towards him, skittering into the shade. It takes a moment for her to notice him - the glare of the sun on her eyes, he supposes - and the atmosphere grows tense. ]

Mm. [ He looks aside, focusing intently on the ship. His hands are clasped tightly behind his back. ]

At the Shop (backdated to earlier in June!)

[mayoninofukucho]

[Hijikata has once again found himself faced with a challenge during one of his current quests, namely a massive kraken stuck in an unfortunate family's house, and the search for help led him straight to Polydegmon's Lapidary and Brew. Maybe a chime alerts Emet-Selch to his arrival, or maybe he just sees him enter - in any case the samurai looks to be in a bit of a rush. He already called ahead to explain the situation, so it's likely no surprise.]

Okay, here I am! Thanks for taking my call--

[He breaks off as he realises that they aren't the only ones around. There's... a ghost hovering by the counter. By now Hijikata has himself under control to the point that even when he gets spooked (and that definitely still happens) he doesn't immediately run screaming, but it's not often that he sees ghosts around during the daytime. Well, outside of Loch Manor, that is, and probably other local haunted places he doesn't know about.]

Sorry to barge in like this! Am I interrupting?

[emet_sulk]

[ The ghost glances the samurai's way but returns to listening attentively as Emet-Selch rounds off his request to it. It nods and glides away through the wall. It isn't the only ghost hanging around - there are two others marvelling over something at his workbench. ]

No, the dead run to no-one's schedule but their own.

[ He reaches over and spends a moment unlocking a drawer behind the counter. From it he takes out the potion and antidote for his shrinking potion and holds them out to Hijikata. ]

Here. For your kraken.

action; backdated to some time after the trials

[apshot]

[ Frankly speaking, Bakugou knows where to find the old man. The whole sirens in the spring incident had sort of left a bad taste in his mouth. Katsuki is not the type of person that sticks his nose into other peoples' shit, but there's a lot of context that he's missing. So the blonde makes his way over the old guy's store.

It's time to confront and get some answers. Maybe some understanding. Who knows. As Katsuki steps inside, the little bell to signal a customer entering the building sounds. ]

[emet_sulk]

[ He doesn't glance up when the bell tinkles. He's visible behind the counter, working steadily at a bench along the wall. The workbench is lower than the counter so it's not possible to see what he's working on without approaching.

His familiar, the dark gwiber, lifts her head to stare at Bakugou. She looks wary but she doesn't look like she's going to attack without cause. ]

voice; un: weaver

[chatwithdeath]

[Yeah, she doesn't mind leaving a voice mail sometime after this conversation occurs.]

This is Dr. Kimishima. I'm calling you in regards to a patient I've taken on, Gokudera on behalf of Midoriya. If you could, call me back and we can discuss details further.

voice; [thearchitect]

[emet_sulk]

[ He ends up calling back in the early evening, after closing up his shop. ]

Greetings. A doctor, are you? I take it this isn't about his health.

[ Since Gokudera would probably just go straight to him for medicine if that were the case. ]

Text from Walter's direct number, backdated to late October?

[angel_of_death]

[Walter sends the text late at night. His inverted sleeping hours mean he's wide awake. He isn't sure if Emet-Selch is, too. Most people aren't. But something has been weighing on the boy's mind.]

Are you up?

[A moment's pause, and he follows it up with another text.]

It's Walter.

[emet_sulk]

[ He isn't, but the phone's repeated chime rouses him unwillingly from slumber.

As such, he sends only a monosyllabic reply. ]

What?

At the Shop

[angel_of_death]

[After the snowstorm hits, it becomes rather more difficult to travel to and from shops. But Walter has plans, and he isn't about to let a little snow get in the way of what he wants to accomplish. So he crawls through the tunnels dug by the Lestari peoples, making his way to Polydegmon's Lapidiary and Brew.

Clad in a black wool pea coat, a white scarf wrapped around his neck and shoulders, fingers kept warm by the gloves Chang Geng made for him, and his magic mask covering his mouth and nose, Walter is as prepared as he can be for going out, considering he left his cloak at home.

It takes him a touch longer than he would like to arrive; with all the snow, navigation is a bit tricky. But, he does eventually arrive, and before the posted closing time, at that.

Hopefully Emet-Selch still has his shop open. But, just in case, he delivers a cautious knock to the door, watching for any movement within... at least, as much as the weather-frosted glass allows.]

[emet_sulk]

[ The shop is quiet, empty of customers when Walter knocks. Emet-Selch ends up coming to the door and opening it a crack, allowing a cold gust of air to wash through the interior. He quickly opens it further and impatiently ushers Walter inside. ]

Get in, get in. Hurry up!

[ He shuts the door after Walter but the chill continues to linger. ]

Text

[apshot]

List of preferred flavors. Yours and your shitty partner's.

Now.

[emet_sulk]

Why in Zodiark's name do you need something like that?

backdated; action, during dragon discourse

[weenwoon]

At some point during the debates - if such a word, beloved by their people, could be applied to the arguing on the network, - Hythlodaeus couldn't take it anymore. Hades's grief, anger, disappointment - and the way he only drowns himself in all those things further, throwing himself deeper into rage and despair. There is nothing to be gained from these exchanges, Hythlodaeus knows, and so after a little while he makes his way over to Hades's side, resting a hand on his shoulder.

"Hades."

His voice is quiet and gentle, purposefully so - hopefully a means to draw his attention away from his accursed phone (and if Hythlodaeus had the opportunity, he would likely hide the device for the next moon or ten).

[emet_sulk]

He reluctantly tears his eyes away from the device, only to look away again quickly when he meets Hythlodaeus' worried gaze. He knows what the other man is going to say. He cannot help himself though - his anger has no outlet save for vicious words and an ill mood. Why? Why are mortals constantly like this...?

"What?" he asks tersely.

24th - delivery

[apshot]

[ Don't expect anything too fancy here. And a lot of it is because of Deku's shitty prodding but on the night of the 24th, there's going to be a phoenix flying by and dropping off baskets.

Expect to find the following with just a tag that reads "Old Man + 1:"

- 1 package of Coffee Balls
- 1 jar of wine jelly

Of course he did ask about his stupid "partner" so included is ( 1 ) small tray of lemon bars. ]

[emet_sulk]

[ Later in the day: ]

Did you make everything yourself?

Christmas Delivery!

[corpsewarblade]

[It had been a little while since she'd spoken to Emet-Selch...and she didn't even know if he celebrated Christmas? Well, she'll leave a small wrapped gift at his shop all the same, signed with her name- a box containing a collection of magical stones and gems she'd come across during her questing.

A small note is enclosed: 'I don't know if you celebrate Christmas in your world, but I hope these are useful.']

[emet_sulk]

[ It's a surprise to encounter her gift on his doorstep. His response comes the day after, after all the hullabaloo about the day is over-- ]

I was not expecting a gift from you, but you have my thanks. I must confess I did not prepare anything in return as I do not partake in yearly celebrations.

Early, early, early on Christmas morning...

[angel_of_death]

[...a parcel is left just outside the front door to the shop.]

<3

[emet_sulk]

[ Walter receives a text later in the day: ]

You have my thanks for the gifts. For future reference, you may call me Emet-Selch. My partner is Hythlodaeus.

Pretend this was sent on the 24th, Endwalker leveling ate my free time

[menphina]

[ Delivered to him via the duck who seems to live forever, is another pop-up book, much like the year prior.

However this time, the pop-up seems to be some beautifully recreated short stories. Experienced by a moogle and chocobo, who adventure together across the land. Each page (five in total) covers a lesser known tale from the region they visit- and to find them, he will need to play around in order to reveal the whole tale.

The final tale is of them traveling to an unknown land, where a friend welcomes them and asks if they would like to create a new tale this year, too? With a handwritten note,

" Dearest Hades,

Remember the journey, and may you always see something new and beautiful in it.

Happy Starlight. "

[ It comes with a pair of Snuggie blankets too. To cuddle in full on hoods. Ha ha ha. This is close enough to a metapod thanks for the idea. Don't worry, the snuggies will say what they're for.

"P.S: These are great for when you need a blanket anywhere." ]

NPC Appointment | ACTION

[isleofnpcs]

[ The nature of the request seemed urgent, and thus Arthur made time as soon as he was able after the siege. There was much to do, but he will certainly not turn down intel as they don't have much right now.

When Emet-Selch arrives at the castle, Arthur is seated at a round table, speaking to some kind of adviser standing nearby, and handing back signed papers. Busy man. ]

Come in.

[ He says it when he sees Emet-Selch at the door, whether he's hesitated or not. ]

[emet_sulk]

[ In spite of his reservations and guilt, he straightens and walks in purposefully. He tosses a brief, hesitant glance at the advisors standing by before he speaks: ]

Your M-- King Arthur, I have come with a confession to make. It concerns the spirits recently let loose.

[ He can't make himself speak humbly but he can be polite. ]

After Ardyn is killed for his crimes

[problemsoncauthess]

All in all, it had been a rather good time: tricking the others into helping him, opening the Veil and unleashing horrors and monsters upon Camelot, getting to kill the enraged Somnus, even... Yes, very enjoyable indeed, even if the murder of his brother did not give Ardyn quite the satisfaction he'd expected. But Ardyn knew, too, that his unwilling colleagues would seek him out, and that was another piece of entertainment. A good fight on all sides, and then finally - finally - the release of death...

... Or so Ardyn had hoped, at least. It came as a disappointment to find himself still present, only in a disembodied form. He'd milled around a little before deciding to make the most of it. If his murderers thought themselves free of his presence, it would be good - and amusing - to prove them wrong.

It'd taken him some time, but eventually Ardyn found Emet-Selch's abode. A death mage and an alchemist both - an interesting, curious combination. Shelves full of various potions and ingredients, books, various alchemical products... There is much to study.

And so when Emet-Selch returns home - or perhaps simply awakens and makes his way downstairs one morning - there is a certain uninvited ghost strolling around the shop, peering at things in glass cabinets and generally sticking his nose where it doesn't belong while whistling tunelessly under his non-existant breath. You'd almost think he wasn't killed in a fit of revenge-driven fury.

welcome to the ranks of old men who can't stay dead

[emet_sulk]

This is the worst surprise Emet-Selch has ever had, and he's had many. At the same time, he really should have expected this to eventuate. It's the curse of being a death mage - of being able to see the souls of the dead even at home.

He had frozen momentarily on the stairs but now descends the rest of the way loudly with lips pressed into a thin line and a deep frown upon his face. "Get out," he snaps without preamble. "Find someone else to haunt."

After Emet-Selch's Temporary Closure Notice

[angel_of_death]

I just saw your posting on the network. You weren't touched by one of those things that attacked Camelot, were you?

[emet_sulk]

I was not. The looming catastrophe unnerves me.

At the Shop

[mayoninofukucho]

[When Hijikata enters Polydegmon's it's an hour before closing time. The sun sinks later and later each day, so it's still bright outside, and accordingly he's wearing his sun protection gear, including the helmet that obscures his face. Mindful that Emet-Selch has not yet seen him in the outfit he makes his identity clear.]

Good day, Emet-Selch! It's Hijikata. I'm here for a few potions. Can I get a 'Mini' or two, an 'Esuna', and a 'Final Sting'? It's nothing urgent, I just think these could come in handy, based on my last few quests.

SORRY FOR THE WAIT

[emet_sulk]

[ He looks up and he has to stare for a few moments because what in the seven hells is THAT? ]

...That is quite an order. What are you wearing?

After Emet's argument with Venat :')

[weenwoon]

Though Hades had tried to reassure Hythlodaeus (not terribly successfully) that he's fine, all pretense of that fades away the moment his friend violently throws his phone at the wall. That's certainly on the "Uh-oh" end of the spectrum of Hades's breakdowns, and Hythlodaeus hurries over almost immediately; their bond makes obvious his worry and concern - though there is also a smidgen of reproach at the fact that Hades tried to lie to him.

"Hades, what happened?"

let the scolding begin :')

[emet_sulk]

A fresh wave of guilt filters over their bond. Hades glances at Hythlodaeus and then away.

"I--"

He bites his lip hard. "I was speaking with...Venat."

[seasoflight]

Felih could easily hear the commotion from his room, ears up and alert at the sound of the phone being thrown and making contact with the wall. The sudden sound made him flinch and jump slightly from where he had been tending to his little garden, and he faltered before setting down his tools and hesitating by his door.

His hand hovered by the knob, wondering what to do, but it sounded as if Hythlodaeus was there to help calm their beloved.

He instead returns to his bed, curled up anxiously and grooming his tail, knowing Hythlodaeus is far more likely to succeed at calming Hades than he is. Still, he worries and frets, and even when Hythlodaeus has departed, Felih finds himself peeking out of his room, before slipping out and moving to settle by Hades.

"...darling?" he murmurs, a gentle hand reaching out to caress the man's cheek in concern.

[emet_sulk]

He is a fair bit calmer after being talked to by Hythlodaeus. Still upset, but not on the point of crying any longer. Felih's quiet query startles him however. He jolts in place and twists around.

"Ah... Felih. I'm sorry. I'm fine now."